2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$30,500 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When choosing a new crossover, the common dilemma often boils down to premium power versus everyday thriftiness. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 kicks off at $30,500, offering a compelling package with 187 hp and a respectable 28 MPG combined. In contrast, the larger 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport demands $37,190, but it delivers substantially more muscle at 269 hp and offers a cavernous 40.3 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft. However, this power comes at a cost, as the Atlas slips to just 23 MPG combined, representing a 5 MPG efficiency deficit against the Mazda. While the Atlas boasts a robust 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's 185 lb-ft, the Mazda's smaller footprint (185.8 inches long) might appeal more to city drivers needing maneuverability, even if it sacrifices the VW's larger dimensions (195.6 inches long) and overall presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Families prioritizing space will prefer the Atlas Cross Sport, which offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Enthusiasts demanding acceleration will favor the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque over the CX-50's lower outputs.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 offers better overall value, starting $6,690 cheaper and providing 5 more miles per gallon.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Your priority is saving money at the pump, leveraging the CX-50's 28 MPG combined efficiency.
You value a lower entry price, as the CX-50 starts at $30,500 compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's $37,190.
You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle, with the CX-50 measuring 185.8 inches in length versus the VW's 195.6 inches.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

You need maximum hauling capability, as the Atlas Cross Sport provides 40.3 cu ft of cargo space.
You frequently need rapid acceleration, benefiting from the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp engine.
You are comfortable with FWD over the standard AWD of the Mazda, provided the power is there.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	185.8"	195.6"
Width	75.6"	78.3"
Height	63.5"	68.1"
Wheelbase	110.8"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	58.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Is the extra cost of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport worth the horsepower increase?

The Atlas Cross Sport costs $6,690 more and provides 82 more horsepower (269 hp vs. 187 hp). If spirited driving is essential, the investment might be justified, but you will sacrifice 5 MPG combined efficiency.

How significant is the difference in size between these two crossovers?

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is substantially larger, measuring 195.6 inches long and 68.1 inches high, whereas the Mazda CX-50 is shorter at 185.8 inches and lower at 63.5 inches, affecting maneuverability and interior volume.

Which vehicle is better suited for long highway commutes regarding fuel stops?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner here, boasting a 31 MPG highway rating compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 26 MPG highway rating, meaning fewer stops for gas.

Does the standard all-wheel drive on the CX-50 make it better in poor weather than the FWD Atlas Cross Sport?

Yes, the Mazda CX-50 comes standard with all-wheel drive, providing inherent traction advantages over the standard front-wheel drive setup of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

If cargo capacity is the main concern, how much space do I lose with the CX-50?

You lose about 8.9 cubic feet of space by choosing the CX-50; it offers 31.4 cu ft while the Atlas Cross Sport maximizes utility with 40.3 cu ft.

Are both vehicles designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, happily, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport utilize regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the need for premium octane.